Liverpool’s bold and expensive effort to bridge the gap to Manchester City has been stepped up with the world-record £67 million deal for Roma goalkeeper Alisson.
The 25-year-old is scheduled to undergo a Melwood medical on Thursday, after agreeing personal terms on a six-year contract.
With agreement on all sides, only the formalities stand between Liverpool unveiling Loris Karius’s replacement.
Alisson is on holiday after his World Cup efforts for Brazil, but Liverpool feel cautiously optimistic they have their prime summer target now the goalkeeper has spoken to Jurgen Klopp, the manager, and indicated his willingness to join. Chelsea have shown interest, but as of Wednesday only Liverpool’s bid had been accepted.
Alisson’s likely arrival will leave Karius considering his future. The German has been demoted upon his return to Melwood, his status diminished after his poor Champions League final performance against Real Madrid.
Klopp will not comment on the Alisson deal until it is complete – there remains caution in the event of rival clubs matching Liverpool’s bid – but he is relishing a different approach to a transfer window this summer without the fear of losing any of his big players.
“I am not 100 per cent sure but maybe it is the first year we don’t sell a key player,” he said. “There was always a lot of change, but in both directions. Now it is more in one direction. That is clear. Big teams, successful teams, if you don’t buy it you have to build it.
“That means stay together, bring additions in and make the next step.
“The team and squad is in a really good moment. They know we need the depth in the squad. They know we need the quality and they know that if we win something here then we will win it with 25 players. That is exactly how we feel. I am really looking forward to the season.
“I know it will be long and hard and difficult and all that stuff, but if we are lucky with injuries a little bit – and getting one or two penalties at least at Anfield – then it should be OK.”
Liverpool’s summer spending will rise beyond £170 million with the Alisson deal. Last January they paid £75 million for Virgil van Dijk, but received £142 million for Philippe Coutinho.
